He moved to Virginia Beach at age 5 when his father – who was in the military – was re-located. In hopes of making new friends and staying active, Ashe started playing organized soccer at 6.

He hasn't stopped.

The 27-year-old left back played for the University of North Carolina and starred on the United States U-17 team in the 2003 World Championships – being named the team captain.

He was drafted in the second round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft by the Houston Dynamo. As a rookie, Ashe helped the Dynamo win its second straight MLS Cup. He was named an all-star in 2011 and has steadily developed into one of the premiere defenders in the MLS.

Q.When did you really start concentrating solely on soccer?

A. I had started playing when I was 6, and like every 6-year-old I was just running around kicking a ball. It wasn't until I was about 10 years old, when my coaches had told me that I had potential if I took it seriously. So I started going to camps, watching tapes and just started dedicating my life towards it. Practicing on my own, practicing with coaches, getting the one-on-one attention that I would need.

Q.How beneficial was playing in the 2003 U-17 World Championship?

A. It was crazy. It was a great experience. You're playing against the best players in the world. Not many kids get to experience that. When we played Spain, I got to play against (Cesc) Fabregas – who actually scored two against us. Just players of that caliber. At the time, Freddy Adu was still the man. It was a lot of fun, and it's something that I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Q.What was it like hearing your name when you were drafted into the MLS?

A. Honestly, it's kind of funny because it was nerve-wracking. I actually attended the draft with my dad and my agent. Other players were sitting around me, and you watch them as they go up when their names are called. I remember in the second round the Dynamo had to pick, and I was one of the last people there. The fans kind of left and then you start thinking, 'Am I ever going to get picked?' But to hear your name called, especially by the Houston Dynamo who had won it the year before, it's great.

Q.The Dynamo won the MLS Cup in your first season. What was that like?

A. I couldn't even tell you the last time I won something was. It probably was when I was a teenager when you go to the youth tournaments. I think that's the last time I won something significant. I think winning it your first year, it's awesome. Not only that, it shows you how hard you have to work – the sacrifices that need to be made – in order to win a championship. I think it benefits me, because now I'm one of the older players and I can tell the younger players, 'Hey, this is what it takes to get to the finals and to win it.'

Q.What does the future hold?

A. I'm kind of just waiting to see. Obviously I enjoy it here in Houston. I know what's expected of me. I know Dom (Kinnear) and his staff. But I don't really know. I'm not going to put any limitations on my future. If I could get over to Europe, depending on where it is, that would be great. Right now, my main focus is bringing a championship back to Houston. Hopefully sometime soon I'll see the national team, which could potentially open up possibilities elsewhere. But we'll see what happens.

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